The Great Performing Arts Cull - $9.2 million impact in New South Wales

The Coalition Government’s funding cuts to the Australia Council will have a devastating impact on the live performance industry in New South Wales – the Prime Minister’s home state – according to new analysis by Live Performance Australia.

LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said seven small to medium performing arts companies had lost all of their operational funding from the Australia Council, while another four companies have had their funding reduced.‘Live performance companies in NSW have lost a total of $9.2 million through funding cuts or reductions in their funding allocation for the Australia Council four year funding round.‘These cuts are the legacy of the Coalition’s 2015 budget which slashed $110 million in funding from the Australia Council.

‘While five companies have received new funding from the Australia Council, the reality is these cuts will lead to fewer performances and job losses in the performing arts industry in NSW.‘At a time when the Government talks about supporting jobs, growth and innovation, it is doing exactly the opposite for Australia’s $2.5 billion live performance industry which employs 34,000 Australians,’ Ms Richardson said.Live Performance Australia is calling for the return of $72.8 million in funding to the Australia Council to ensure the ongoing viability and growth of our small to medium companies which are a critical part of the live performance industry.

LPA is still seeking a meeting with the Minister for the Arts, Senator Fifield, to discuss the funding cuts and its policy priorities for the live performance industry. Meetings have been held with the ALP and the Greens.

LPA is also calling on the NSW Government to outline its strategy to support performing arts companies affected by funding cuts or reductions to ensure the state continues to support a growing and dynamic live performance industry.